Ankle foot orthoses for people with Charcot Marie Tooth disease - views of users and orthotists on important aspects of use

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Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2011 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Ankle foot orthoses for people with Charcot Marie Tooth disease - views of users

and orthotists on important aspects of use.

M, Radford K, Wills A.

Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire,

UK.

Abstract

Purpose. & #8195;To explore important aspects of the benefits, important

characteristics, barriers to use and disadvantages of using ankle foot orthoses

(AFOs) as seen by people with Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) and the

orthotists who will fit and supply them.

Method. & #8195;This qualitative study used the nominal group technique and

individual semi-structured interviews, according to participant preference and

ability to travel. Propositions were put to 15 participants (eight females) with

CMT regarding benefits, disadvantages, barriers to use and important

characteristics of ankle foot orthoses AFOs and regarding benefits and

disadvantages to seven orthotists. Priorities in these areas were ranked and a

thematic analysis of the free text was made separately by two observers and a

joint decision made of final themes.

Results. & #8195;Fifteen people (eight females) with CMT and seven orthotists

participated. Users' themes concerned functional mobility walking,

pain/discomfort, choice of AFOs and associated footwear, custom made design, use

in practical situations and support for foot and ankle. They noted that AFOs

improved walking, but practical aspects of use and provision, as well as

consideration of cosmetic aspects, were frequently problematic. Orthotists had

similar themes, but with a difference in emphasis, that included prevention of

future complications, education regarding device limitations and craftsmanship

as a further theme.

Conclusions. & #8195;Users understood the potential benefits of AFOs and could

identify disadvantages which might be remedied, but were frustrated by the

difficulties in translating this into practice. Further refinement of current

orthoses and delivery of orthotic services may assist in addressing these

issues.